Politics

People watch a live broadcast of China's President Xi Jinping speaking during the introduction of the Communist Party of China's Politburo Standing Committee, on a screen at a shopping mall in Qingzhou in China's eastern Shandong province on 23 October 2022. (AFP)

Chinese state media: Party and state leaders step down of their own accord

The 20th Party Congress has just ended, and the new Politburo and its Standing Committee members have been announced. State media Xinhua ran an article on how the new central leadership was formed, revealing telling details of the appointment discussion and consultation. Zaobao correspondent Yang Danxu unpacks the signals.
Chinese President Xi Jinping waves after introducing the members of the Chinese Communist Party's new Politburo Standing Committee, the nation's top decision-making body, in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on 23 October 2022. (Noel Celis/AFP)

Xi removes Youth League faction from new leadership

Top CCP officials from the Youth League faction such as Li Keqiang, Wang Yang, Hu Chunhua and Lu Hao will step down by the National People’s Congress in March 2023. This marks a huge setback for the Communist Youth League (CYL), which was once deemed a “cradle” for senior cadres. While the CYL’s vast membership is still an important source of CCP members, the future of its cadres is now on shaky grounds. Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan tells us more.
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks with Chinese President Xi Jinping before an extended-format meeting of heads of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit (SCO) member states in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 16 September 2022. (Sergey Bobylev/Sputnik/Pool via Reuters)

What a weakened Russia would mean for China

It seems that the longer the war in Ukraine drags on, the more dependent Russia will be on China. After more than three centuries of Russia-China relations, it seems that the situation is coming full circle and Russia is becoming increasingly subordinate to China.
Chinese President Xi Jinping waves as he arrives for the opening ceremony of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, 16 October 2022. (Thomas Peter/Reuters)

Xi might be CCP top leader for life: ‘People’s leader’ might be written into CCP constitution

Analysts are speculating that the current “people’s leader” moniker being applied to President Xi Jinping may be enshrined in the CCP constitution, giving the Chinese leader even greater powers. Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan explores the issue.
This photo taken on 16 October 2022 shows subway staff watching the opening session of the 20th Party Congress in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. (AFP)

China and the West continue sparring during party congress

China’s American and European partners do not seem keen on granting China a “stable external environment” during the 20th Party Congress. With diplomatic sparring ratcheting up, Xi’s new team will have its work cut out when the congress ends in a few days’ time.
Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the opening ceremony of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, 16 October 2022. (Thomas Peter/Reuters)

The most secretive party congress? Speculation around top leadership intensifies

As the 20th Party Congress continues, so does speculation on various key appointments, not least who will join the Politburo Standing Committee, and who will be China’s next premier and vice-premier. Zaobao correspondent Yang Danxu notes that news agencies are carrying various versions of this possible list — but which is more accurate and what does it tell of the CCP's future plans?
Workers wearing personal protective gear at an area placed under lockdown due to Covid-19 in Beijing, China, on 12 October 2022. (Bloomberg)

Where will the zero-Covid policy and Xi’s third term lead China?

China’s strict zero-Covid policy has led to lockdowns and other extreme measures in various cities, as local officials follow directions from the top. However, the people are pushing back, as their daily life is impacted in all sorts of ways. Chinese commentator Ma Haotian believes that the decision makers are caught between a rock and a hard place as either maintaining or easing the strict zero-Covid measures comes with painful consequences.
People walk at an alley in Qianmen street in Beijing, China, on 2 October 2022. (Noel Celis/AFP)

Can China really catch up with the US?

China has great motivation to achieve its China Dream of catching up with and surpassing the US. Not only would this wipe away its century of humiliation but also prove the superiority of socialism. However, its actions could make achieving its dream that much harder.
Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan's president, during the National Day celebration in Taipei, Taiwan, on 10 October 2022. (I-Hwa Cheng/Bloomberg)

Taiwanese commentator: Tsai Ing-wen's steady and prudent approach on Taiwan Strait issue

Tsai Ing-wen has continually clarified her fundamental position on the Taiwan Strait issue during her national day speeches since she became Taiwan’s president, much to China’s chagrin. However, this year, some have viewed her speech as “great domestic propaganda” directed against the opposition party instead. Veteran journalist Gu Erde takes us through the highlights of Tsai’s speech and what it means for Taiwan.